Case Continued For Enfield Man Accused Of Molesting Boy

ENFIELD — A man accused of sexually molesting a boy several years ago was presented in Enfield Superior Court Wednesday, while residents who live near him watched in concern from the front row.

The case against Brent Bell, 39, of 33 Alban Road, was transferred Wednesday from Enfield to Hartford Superior Court because of the seriousness of the charges against him. He is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, four counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count of third- degree sexual assault.

Police say that Bell -- who spent three years in prison after being convicted of similar charges -- molested the youth, now 14, several times between 1989 and 1991. He was imprisoned from 1992 to 1995 and is now on probation.

After Bell's arrest Nov. 6, he was released on a $25,000 non-surety bond, meaning he did not have to post the money to be freed from jail. His release concerned neighbors, some of whom say they are afraid to let their children outside unsupervised.

Michael Ludwick, a Republican town council member, was contacted by some of the neighbors and attended Wednesday's court proceedings.

``They asked me to help as their representative and I thought I would support them,'' he said. ``They are just concerned.''

One neighbor said if Bell is violating the terms of his probation, it could create a problems for the children in the neighborhood.

``Isn't there some way they can keep better control of him?'' asked Rita Hartley, an Alban Road resident who was in court Wednesday. ``He's really not doing what he's supposed to be doing.''

Bell has admitted to drinking three times since his release -- a violation of the terms of his probation -- and was seen by police at the town's annual July 4 celebration, also a violation, court officials and documents said.

Along with the sexual assault allegations, he is facing charges of violation of probation. A hearing to determine if his probation should be terminated is scheduled for Wednesday. If he is found to have violated his probation, he could be sent back to prison.

There is no indication that Bell has been involved in any illegal sexual activity since his release. Bell's sexual assault case was continued to Dec. 10 in Hartford Superior Court.